Determined By Robert M. Sapolsky

Determined by Robert M. Sapolsky is a work of art in the argument against free will. The writer manages to simplify incredibly complex subjects so they can be understood by most readers. While there are areas in the book that require a bit more effort and attention, for anyone genuinely interested in exploring this perspective on free will, I’ve yet to find a better book.

Robert Sapolsky is a true genius, full stop. It’s impossible to read this book and not walk away with a deeper sense of compassion for the human race as a whole. Personally, it completely changed my outlook on people and my judgments about them. I’ve always struggled not to assign accountability somewhere within the argument of no free will, but this book leaves you with little choice other than to agree.

It’s not what I’d call an easy read, but it is absolutely a must read. In fact, it should be a compulsory area of study for anyone working in professions where compassion is essential... judges, parole boards, probation officers, and beyond. It challenges your beliefs, makes you uncomfortable in all the right ways, and ultimately leaves you seeing people through a softer, more understanding lens.